Words / C1

f-uh-NAT-ik/fəˈnætɪk/

A fanatic is a person with extreme, uncritical zeal: a political fanatic, a fitness fanatic (looser, informal). An enthusiast is milder; an extremist is usually political or violent; a devotee can be religious without the insult. Fanatical is the adjective. Do not let zeal for methods replace an ethics date.

Meaning

A person with extreme, uncritical zeal for a cause or activity.

Examples

• “A methods fanatic who names the n is still not a substitute for ethics.”
• “Enthusiast is everyday and kinder. Zealot is a close insult. Buff is informal hobby-talk. Naming the n is good practice. A dated ethics form is still the gate. Keenness does not open the gate.”

Good to know

Someone extreme in their zeal. Milder: enthusiast. Adjective: fanatical. Keen methods ≠ an ethics filing.

Near in meaning

zealot

New